89R12859 BPG-D
By: Cain H.R. No. 174
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The 100th birthday of an esteemed member of the
Greatest Generation is truly cause for celebration, and Cecil V.
Newton of Highlands is marking this momentous milestone in his life
on March 5, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Born to Ruby and Jessie Newton in 1925, Cecil Newton
grew up on a farm in Highlands; he began working at Exxon at the age
of 18 but received his draft notice in September 1944; before
deploying as an infantryman in the U.S. Army, he married his
fiancée, the former Selma Ruth Waldrep; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Newton served in Germany with the 87th Division,
345th Platoon, Company E, 3rd Squad; after surviving combat at
Koblenz in Germany, he crossed the Rhine at Boppard under heavy fire
and helped clear out snipers; his company nearly reached Berlin by
VE Day and then proceeded to liberate concentration camps;
following demobilization, Mr. Newton remained in the reserve, and
over the years, he maintained warm friendships that he had formed
early in his service; and
WHEREAS, Returning to Exxon in civilian life, Mr. Newton
became a journeyman machinist; he took advantage of the GI Bill to
complete his bachelor's degree cum laude at the University of
Houston in 1959; during a career that spanned more than four decades
with Exxon, he seized every opportunity to learn new things,
earning myriad certificates; his many accomplishments included two
patents, and he gained a reputation as an ace problem solver; he
rose to become a staff engineer in the Baytown Refinery's technical
division; in his free time, he earned his pilot's license; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Newton and his wife raised three children, Judy,
Richard, and Douglas, and through the years, their treasured family
has grown to include four grandchildren and many
great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; the Newtons
were active in Trinity Tabernacle Assembly of God Church, where for
nearly four decades Mr. Newton ran the sound systems and assisted
with radio broadcasts; the couple shared a fulfilling relationship
of 71 years until Mrs. Newton's passing in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of a century, Cecil Newton has
inspired innumerable people through his courage, integrity, and
devotion to his family, and he continues to enrich the lives of all
who are privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Cecil V. Newton on the joyous
occasion of his 100th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes
for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Newton as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.